Originally Posted by
cbn42
Let me spin this question a bit more. Those of you who think this is theft, please answer.
Let's say I book a middle seat because I don't want to pay extra for an aisle/window. I get on the plane and the aisle is vacant, so I move there, thereby giving both myself and the guy by the window a bit more room. Is that theft of services as well?
If not, what distinguishes this scenario from moving into first class?
Sorry to the people who have posted contrary.
This is not a theft of "services" because everyone in the same cabin receives the same services. People in Business/First receive extra benefits/services for their premium pricing. The "additional services" in the cabin such as food, beverages, blankets, pillows, etc. are sold on a per diem basis in the cabin.
The seat may cost more because of the higher demand for aisle/window seats and the airlines use this to increase their revenue. If the seat goes unsold because someone doesn't pay the higher premium and it's empty, than it's just lost revenue. The airlines themselves will move people into these seats if it makes sense for operational purposes. Also, when a party of three purchase tickets together and are seated together, they are not charged three different prices for the window/middle/aisle seats.